Wave vs Bullhorn
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Wave
Wave is a free accounting and invoicing platform designed for small businesses, freelancers, and solopreneurs. It offers genuinely free accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning with no subscription fee. Wave makes money through payment processing and payroll add-ons. It is one of the best free accounting tools available for very small businesses with simple needs.
Bullhorn
Bullhorn is the leading ATS and CRM platform built specifically for staffing and recruiting agencies. It combines applicant tracking with client relationship management in one purpose-built system.
Pros
- ✓Genuinely free accounting and invoicing — no subscription required
- ✓Clean and easy to use interface
- ✓Good enough for most very small businesses and freelancers
- ✓Receipt scanning and bank connections included free
Cons
- ✗Limited features compared to paid alternatives
- ✗Customer support is minimal on the free plan
- ✗Not suitable for growing businesses with complex needs
- ✗Payroll and payment processing add-ons can add up in cost
Pros
- ✓Purpose-built for staffing agencies
- ✓Strong CRM and client management
- ✓Excellent pipeline visibility
- ✓Deep integration with job boards
- ✓Good mobile app
Cons
- ✗Not ideal for in-house recruiting teams
- ✗Can be expensive
- ✗Interface has a learning curve
- ✗Customization requires technical knowledge
Wave vs Bullhorn: Side by Side
| Factor | Wave | Bullhorn |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software | Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Wave Features
- ✓Free accounting
- ✓invoicing
- ✓receipt scanning
- ✓bank connections
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓payments processing
- ✓payroll add-on
- ✓mobile app
Bullhorn Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓CRM for recruiters
- ✓resume parsing
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓reporting and analytics
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
Best For
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Best For
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Also Consider
If neither Wave nor Bullhorn is the right fit, Dext is worth evaluating.
Dext
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
From $15/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Wave and Bullhorn?
Wave is best for solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Bullhorn is best for staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
Which is better, Wave or Bullhorn?
Choose Wave if solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software. Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
How much does Wave cost?
Wave starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Bullhorn cost?
Visit Bullhorn website for current pricing.
Who should use Wave?
Solopreneurs and very small businesses wanting free accounting and invoicing software
Who should use Bullhorn?
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform